I ran solo for an entire weekend in the New Mexico desert following game trails only...no specific event, no specific human trail, just wide open mesa covered BLM land. "The way I believe the West used to be before roads" I covered roughly about 170 miles...Just running for the sake of running. I guess the weirdest thing about the whole weekend was the initial fear of just running for 3 days and 2 nights with no support. In most ultra events, we are not truly alone...in this one, I was. Once I got over that and gained the confidence that I could do this, the solitude was quite enjoyable
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My Most Challenging Race Experience:

Again, the above solo run. It was challenging because there was no event, no pacers, no aid stations, really no motivation to do this besides my own which was definately questioned a number of times during the weekend. I obviously carried alot more weight in food and fluid than I normally would for a race. The added weight, the heat, and the solitude made for a difficult, but challenging and definately rewarding weekend. I look forward to doing this again.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Why I Run Ultras:

That is a tough question. I really think it is because I can. Every time I run a long race I tell myself that "All I have to do today is do my favorite thing...run. Today, I don't have to go to work, get in a car, answer a beeper, no other distractions... just run." I'm in a health profession (orthopaedic surgeon) and see people every day who unfortunately cannot do things like this. Every day I leave work feeling extremely fortunate for my health and this motivates me to test myself physically and push to find "My envelope". With each event that I finish, I immediately have the desire to try something more difficult, more challenging...to find the edge, the limit. Many people think completing an ultra gives confidence. Every time I finish a race, I am humbled further. This, I believe, makes one a better person.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Why I want a slot on the start line of the 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon:

Simply...it is the hardest thing I will have ever attempted to do. Ever since I completed my first ultra, The Badwater has been in my sights. I finish in New Mexico in mid July and will be moving to California (Mammoth Lakes) to set up a practice beginning in September. I'm looking forward to California Ultras and this would be a great way to start.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My Other Ultrasport Experience:

Yes. I personally participated in both the Pentagon and World Trade Center Search and Rescue efforts between 9/11 and 9/15/01. I set up one of the first medical MASH units at Ground Zero "Ground Zero MASH West" on the night of 9/11. What I saw was devistating and will stay with me for the rest of my life. The NYFD will always hold a special palce for me and my charity will therefore be the NYFD
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Do I speak English?: yes
Does my crew speak English?: yes
Will I hike Mt. Whitney after the race?: yes
Do I know that I need a Permit to hike on Mt. Whitney?: yes